vandals-set-key-west-iconic-southernmost-point-buoy-fire

Vandals Set Key West’s Iconic Southernmost Point Buoy on Fire

2022 has not kicked off pleasantly. After all, we’ve already seen an iconic celebrity death, deadly storms, and a host of other unsavory situations. Now, in the latest of disheartening news, a pair of vandals set fire to Key West‘s iconic southernmost point buoy. The historic landmark has been a popular destination for tourists over the last several decades.

According to the New York Post, the buoy caught flame when the two vandals, captured in nearby webcam images, lit a Christmas tree on fire. The outlet reports the incident took place shortly after ringing in the New Year early Saturday morning. Webcam images document the vandalism at approximately 3:30 a.m.

Images capture the damage done to the iconic buoy. Viewers can see char covering the area of the landmark that reads, “90 miles to Cuba, Southernmost Point, Continental USA.”

Nevertheless, while char has now blackened the iconic buoy, visitors still stopped to take photos in front of the vandalized landmark.

As to the blaze, the outlet reports first responders doused the fire “without incident.”

Following the vandalism, Key West police are currently searching for the culprits.

New York Vandal Sets Massive Christmas Tree On Fire

Among this season’s Christmas tree shortage, it appears multiple people weren’t so keen on enjoying the earthy smells and sights of the holiday symbols. I certainly can’t put a finger on why the Key West vandals decided to set their tree ablaze in such a public spot. Nevertheless, it definitely speaks to their values (or lack thereof).

However, before the Key West incident, a New York City vandal was arrested for similar crimes. Reports stated the vandal faced multiple charges after setting one of the city’s massive Christmas trees ablaze.

Reportedly, the man was spotted earlier last month, setting fire to a Christmas tree just outside NYC’s Midtown News Corporation Building. The building houses well-known publications including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Post, and Fox News.

Following the ignition of the tree, the flames climbed straight to the top. Unfortunately, the incident caused other nearby Christmas trees to catch flame, definitely putting a damper on holiday spirit.

Soon after, authorities took into custody a Craig Tamanah. The New York Post reports the arsonist had commonly hung out in the surrounding area.

Law enforcement later charged Tamaha with arson, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, and reckless endangerment to cap it all. Further, the Christmas tree blaze resulted in about $500,000 in property damage, a major detriment ahead of the holidays.

Hopefully, just like with our NYC arsonist, Key West law enforcement are able to identify and locate the iconic landmark’s vandals and issue the appropriate charges.

Fortunately, both incidents at least saw no harm come to passersby or first responders.